Hello,
I’d appreciate help confirming the attribution of this Late Roman bronze coin.
Diameter: 17.55 mm
Thickness: 2.13 mm
Weight: 3.39 g
Metal: bronze/copper-alloy (very weak magnetism)
Tentative attribution:
Roman Empire, Constantine I era (c. AD 330–335)
City Commemorative AE3 – CONSTANTINOPOLIS type
Obverse: Helmeted bust of Constantinopolis facing left, holding a spear/staff over shoulder. Legend appears consistent with CONSTANTINOPOLIS (partial letters visible).
Reverse: Victory (Nike/Victoria) standing left on ship’s prow, holding spear/scepter with shield at side. A palm branch is visible in the left field.
Mintmark (exergue): appears to read TRP, suggesting Treveri (Trier) mint.
Reference: likely RIC VII Trier (possibly RIC VII Trier 536, depending on variety). One forum reply suggested mintmark TRP and referenced Numista #45269.
Could someone confirm whether the mintmark is correctly read as TRP, and whether the RIC attribution to RIC VII Trier (and the exact number) is correct? Can someone confirm that Constantine is holding a staff and not a spear? Is the field symbol on the reverse (left side) definitely a palm branch, or could it be a wheat/grain stalk or another plant symbol. What are the stick-like symbols below Nike’s spear and overlapping her leg on the reverse?
Thank you for your time.
